David Hutter

Abstract

The paradox of 4-mallet instruction is that an advanced musician is beginning to
learn a new concept. Instead of starting 4-mallet instruction by expecting students
to perform a long solo that utilizes multiple techniques, involves advanced musical
concepts, and takes months to learn, the goal of this unit was to teach through the
use of short musical compositions that focused on one stroke type at a time while
including elements of musical expression. An eight week unit was presented to show more 18
high school students in an advanced percussion technique class to further develop
their 4-mallet marimba skills. An eight page method packet organized by stroke
type was created that included a short technical exercise and a short musical
composition that only utilized one stroke type at a time and used common musical
expression markings. The results showed that students simultaneously improved
their technique, musicianship, and note-reading skills through these short
pedagogically designed etudes. show less